The 40 Most Beautiful Castles You Can Visit in the United States
From cobblestone towers to dreamy terraces, you'll want to play princess and move right in.
When you think of ancient castles, maybe you picture a European palace straight out of a storybook. You know, the ones with moats, drawbridges...the works. Or perhaps you think of mysterious ruins hidden deep in the jungles of South America. Well, lucky for you, there's no need to travel that far to see one in person—there are plenty of elaborate castles in the USA, all with their own unique history and design.
From a dreamy hidden treasure tucked away in Central Park to a cliffside dwelling in Arizona that dates back 800 years to the property where Kevin Jonas got married and Taylor Swift filmed her "Blank Space" music video, get ready to add all of these stunning adventures to your travel bucket list ASAP. (Spoiler: The only official royal residence in the country is on this list!)
Now, we admit not all of these are technically castles—but once you see each of them, we think you'll agree they belong on this list in all their majestic glory. Want to book a trip to one of these jaw-dropping estates? Be sure to check if tours are currently being offered first (some are seasonal and are only open to the public during certain months of the year, so do your research before venturing out).
Without further ado, we present the most beautiful American castles that will make you feel like you're in a fairytale.
Belvedere Castle (New York)
Sitting pretty in the middle of New York City's Central Park is one of the country's most famous castles. Completed in 1872, the park's co-designer, Calvert Vaux, wanted the Gothic structure to serve as a surprising landmark for visitors to discover on their walks.
Scotty's Castle (California)
Walter E. Scott was a con man and gold prospector who convinced a Chicago couple, Albert and Bessie Johnson, to build this 1922 Spanish-style castle in Death Valley National Park, California. Though Scott never owned or lived in it, he was the inspiration behind its name.
Iolani Palace (Hawaii)
Iolani Palace is the only official royal residence located in the United States and is located in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii. The island's last two monarchs lived in it from 1882 to 1893, but it later fell into disrepair—until it was renovated and reopened in 1978.
Bannerman Castle (New York)
Francis Bannerman VI, a Scottish-born owner of a military surplus supply company, built this castle in 1901. A fire destroyed it in 1969, leaving it to become the ruins you see today in the middle of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York.
Castello di Amorosa (California)
It took 15 years to build this 13th-century replica of a Tuscan castle, located in the middle of California's Napa Valley. The wait was worth it: It's a huge tourist attraction today, offering tours and wine tastings.
Montezuma Castle (Arizona)
The Sinagua people built this 20-room castle on a cliff approximately 800 years ago in what is known today as Camp Verde, Arizona. While it's too fragile to allow tourists inside, the view from below makes it worth visiting.
Lyndhurst Mansion (New York)
Located in Tarrytown, New York, this 1838 mansion overlooking the Hudson River is one of the country's best examples of Gothic Revival architecture. It was built for New York City Mayor William Paulding and was later bought by railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Today, it serves as a museum and wedding venue. Fun fact: It was also a filming location for The Gilded Age on HBO.
Hearst Castle (California)
Newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst built this Julia Morgan-designed castle in San Simeon, California, to serve as his private residence. He lived in it while it was being renovated, but unfortunately, his failing health meant he never saw it finished and he moved out of the 165-room estate in 1947. It's currently a museum that's open to the public.
Boldt Castle (New York)
In 1900, the owner of New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, George C. Boldt, built this 120-room castle for his wife, Louise, on an island in the St. Lawrence River in Alexandria, New York. Sadly, Louise died unexpectedly months before it was completed, so a heartbroken George stopped construction and it was left vacant for 73 years—until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority restored and opened it in 1977.
Smithsonian Institute Building (Washington, D.C.)
Located near the center of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is this Norman-style structure. It was made from red sandstone in 1855 and served as the home and office of Joseph Henry (the first Secretary of the Smithsonian). However, today it's the visitors center for the Smithsonian Institute.
Fonthill Castle (Pennsylvania)
Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, artifact collector, and tilemaker, built this beauty in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, from 1908 to 1912. He chose a combination of medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles for his home, which also served as a museum for his tiles and prints.
Biltmore Estate (North Carolina)
After George Vanderbilt visited the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, in 1898, he fell in love with the area and built this estate. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau took six years to build, with the help of architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Now, the estate boasts an award-winning vineyard and winery.
The Breakers (Rhode Island)
Look familiar? This Newport, Rhode Island, estate was also built by a Vanderbilt (this time Cornelius Vanderbilt II) and designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt in the late 19th century. The 70-room mansion was inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces from 16th-century Genoa and Turin.
Bishop's Palace (Texas)
Previously known as Gresham Castle, this Victorian stunner in Galveston, Texas, was built by lawyer and railroad entrepreneur Colonel Walter Gresham and architect Nicholas Clayton from 1887 to 1892. It went on to serve as a Catholic bishop's residence—hence the new name.
Clark Tower (Iowa)
Back in 1926, this 25-foot limestone castle tower was built in honor of Caleb and Ruth Clark, pioneers of Madison County, Iowa. The three-story tower overlooks the Middle River valley and is only accessible by a narrow, one-way, winding road.
Trube House (Texas)
In 1890, John Clement Trube (who was from Kiel, Denmark) built this Danish-inspired castle home in Galveston, Texas, with the help of architect Alfred Muller. The castle was declared a Texas Historic Landmark in 1965.
Castle in the Clouds (New Hampshire)
Also known as Lucknow Estate, this Moultonborough, New Hampshire–based structure was built from 1913 to 1914 by shoe manufacturer and millionaire Tom Plant. It served as his escape in the Ossipee Mountains and was designed to keep harmony with nature.
Bluebeard's Castle (Virgin Islands)
Based on St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this castle has had many different lives. It was first built by the Danes in the late 1600s as a stronghold to help reinforce Fort Christian. It was later purchased by the U.S. Government in 1933 and turned into a hotel to help promote tourism. Even President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited it in 1934.
Castle Williams (New York)
This circular fortification made out of red sandstone was built in the early 19th century on Governors Island, New York, to protect New York City from a naval attack. However, as of 2003, it was transferred to the National Park Service under the administration of the Governors Island National Monument.
Boston University Castle (Massachusetts)
Prominent Boston businessman William Lindsey built this castle to serve as his home in 1915. After changing hands, it was donated to Boston University in 1938. Today, the Tudor Revival-style castle is used by the school for receptions and concerts and is also rented out for special occasions.
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